Loren Hibbs will take Charlotte baseball back into Conference USA in...

Courtesy: Charlotte Sports Information

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Wichita State Director of Athletics Eric Sexton reached out to Charlotte 49ers Director of Athletics Judy Rose for permission to speak with 21-year head coach and Wichita State alum Loren Hibbs regarding their head coach vacancy.

After discussions with the Shockers and 49ers administrations, Coach Hibbs expressed his desire to continue to coach the 49ers.

“First of all, it was an honor for me to play and coach in such an outstanding program,” said Hibbs. “I learned from the best. Gene Stephenson will be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in college baseball history. Wichita will always hold a special place in my heart.”

“I am glad that Brent Kemnitz will continue as pitching coach. He is a great coach, a tireless recruiter and an important part of the Wichita State program moving forward.

After speaking with Eric (Sexton) and our own administrators at Charlotte, I want to reaffirm my position as head coach with the 49ers.

I love Charlotte. Our players, our coaches, our administration and our alumni have allowed us to create a special environment here. I am excited about the future of our baseball program and the continued growth of UNC Charlotte.”

Hibbs finished his 21st season at the helm of the program in 2013, capturing the school’s fifth regular-season title in eight years of Atlantic 10 Conference membership. Hibbs has won seven regular season titles, four conference tournament championships and has taken Charlotte to five NCAA Tournaments in his time with the 49ers. He is the program’s all-time coaching wins leader, with a career record of 669-510-3. He has been named Coach of the Year in all three leagues (Metro, 1994; C-USA, 1998; A-10, 2007) in which he has served as head coach at Charlotte. Eight of Charlotte’s nine All-Americans played for Hibbs. The 49ers transition into Conference USA starting in 2013-14.